House of Commons Public Administration Select Committee
Minutes of Proceedings
Session 2005–06
The Public Administration Select Committee
The Public Administration Select Committee is appointed by the House of Commons to examine the expenditure, administration, and policy of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration, of the Health Service Commissioners for England, Scotland and Wales and of the Parliamentary Ombudsman for Northern Ireland, which are laid before this House, and matters in connection therewith and to consider matters relating to the quality and standards of administration provided by civil service departments, and other matters relating to the civil service.
Current membership Dr Tony Wright MP (Labour, Cannock Chase) (Chairman) Mr Mr David Burrowes MP (Conservative, Enfield Southgate) Paul Flynn MP (Labour, Newport West) Julia Goldsworthy MP (Liberal Democrats, Falmouth and Camborne) Mr Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger MP (Conservative, Bridgewater) David Heyes MP (Labour, Ashton under Lyne) Kelvin Hopkins MP (Labour, Luton North) Julie Morgan MP (Labour, Cardiff North) Mr Mr Gordon Prentice MP (Labour, Pendle) Grant Shapps MP (Conservative, Welwyn Hatfield) Jenny Willott MP (Liberal Democrats, Cardiff Central)
Powers The Committee is one of the select committees, the powers of which are set out in House of Commons Standing Orders, principally in SO No 146. These are available on the Internet via www.parliament.uk.
Publications The Reports and evidence of the Committee are published by The Stationery Office by Order of the House. All publications of the Committee (including press notices) are on the Internet at http://www.parliament.uk/parliamentary_committees/public_administration_ select_committee/remit.cfm
Committee staff The current staff of the Committee are Eve Samson (Clerk), Clive Porro (Second Clerk), Lucinda Maer (Committee Specialist), Anna Watkins (Committee Assistant), Sue Holt (Secretary) and Phil Jones (Senior Office Clerk).
Contacts All correspondence should be addressed to the Clerk of the Public Administration Select Committee, Committee Office, First Floor, 7 Millbank, House of Commons, London SW1P 3JA. The telephone number for general enquiries is 020 7219 3284; the Committee’s email address is [email protected].
1
Proceedings of the Committee
Thursday 14 July 2005
Members present:
Paul Flynn Mr Mr Gordon Prentice David Heyes Grant Shapps Kelvin Hopkins Dr Tony Wright Julie Morgan
The Committee deliberated.
Members disclosed their interests, pursuant to the resolution of the House of 13 July 1992. (See Annex.)
Dr Tony Wright was called to the Chair.
Resolved, That the Committee takes note of the rules relating to the confidentiality of Committee proceedings. — (The Chairman.)
Ordered, That Strangers be admitted during the examination of witnesses unless the Committee otherwise orders.—(The Chairman.)
Ordered, That those who submit memoranda to the Committee have leave to publish them, in accordance with the provisions of Standing Order No.135 (1), except where the Committee otherwise orders. —(The Chairman.)
[Adjourned till Wednesday 20 July at 10.00 a.m.
Thursday 20 July 2005
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Paul Flynn Julie Morgan David Heyes Mr Mr Gordon Prentice Kelvin Hopkins Grant Shapps Julia Goldsworthy Jenny Willott Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger
The Committee deliberated.
Members disclosed their interests, pursuant to the resolution of the House of 13 July 1992. (See Annex.)
2
Ordered, That Sir Gus O’Donnell do attend the Committee upon Tuesday 11 October 2005.—(The Chairman.)
Resolved, That the Committee do inquire into Policy Making in Government; and The Politicisation of the Civil Service.—(The Chairman.)
[Adjourned till Tuesday 11 October at 2.15 p.m.
Tuesday 11 October 2005
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Mr David Burrowes Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger Paul Flynn Julie Morgan Julia Goldsworthy Mr Mr Gordon Prentice David Heyes Grant Shapps Kelvin Hopkins Jenny Willott
1. Future Programme
The Committee considered this matter.
Resolved, That the Committee inquire into the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration’s special report: A Debt of Honour.
Resolved, That the Committee do take oral evidence from the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration, the Permanent Secretary for Government Communications, the Minister for the Cabinet Office, the Commissioner for Public Appointments and the First Civil Service Commissioner.
2. Oral Evidence
Civil Service Effectiveness: Sir Gus O’Donnell KCB, Secretary of the Cabinet and Head of the Home Civil Service, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Thursday 20 October at 10.30 a.m. 3
Thursday 20 October 2005
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Mr David Burrowes Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger Paul Flynn Julie Morgan Julia Goldsworthy Mr Mr Gordon Prentice David Heyes Grant Shapps Kelvin Hopkins Jenny Willott
1. Future Programme
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Oral Evidence
Ombudsman Issues and Tax Credits: Ms Ann Abraham, the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration and Health Service Ombudsman, Ms Trish Longdon, Deputy Ombudsman and Mr Bill Richardson, Deputy Chief Executive, Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, gave oral evidence.
Mr David Varney, Executive Chairman, Mr Paul Gray CB, Deputy Chairman and Ms Sarah Walker, Director of Benefits and Credits, HM Revenue and Customs, gave oral evidence; Ms Ann Abraham, the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration and Health Service Ombudsman, was in attendance and answered questions.
[Adjourned till Thursday 27 October at 9.45 a.m.
Thursday 27 October 2005
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Mr David Burrowes Kelvin Hopkins Paul Flynn Julie Morgan Julia Goldsworthy Jenny Willott David Heyes
1. Future Programme
The Committee considered this matter.
Resolved, That the Committee inquire into Politics and Administration: Ministers and Civil Servants.
4
Resolved, That the Committee inquire into Governing the Future.
2. Oral Evidence
Review of Government Communications: Howell James, Permanent Secretary, Government Communications, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Tuesday 1 November at 9.45 a.m.
Tuesday 1 November 2005
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Mr David Burrowes Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger Paul Flynn Julie Morgan Julia Goldsworthy Mr Gordon Prentice` Kelvin Hopkins Jenny Willott
1. Future Programme
The Committee considered this matter.
Resolved, That the Committee take evidence on the Implication of Identity Cards for Delivery of Public Services.
Resolved, That the Committee inquire into the Publication of Political Memoirs.
2. Specialist Advisers
Resolved, That the Committee issue a press release inviting prospective specialist advisers to put their names forward.
3. Oral Evidence
Work of the Cabinet Office: Rt Hon John Hutton MP, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Thursday 10 November at 9.45 a.m.
5
Thursday 10 November 2005
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Mr David Burrowes Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger Paul Flynn Julie Morgan Julia Goldsworthy Grant Shapps David Heyes Jenny Willott Kelvin Hopkins
1. Future Programme
The Committee considered this matter.
Resolved, That the Committee inquire into Ethics and Standards
2. Oral Evidence
Public Administration: Ministers and Civil Servants: Baroness Fritchie of Gloucester DBE, Commissioner for Public Appointments; Mr Ed Straw, PricewaterhouseCoopers (speaking in a personal capacity), gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Thursday 17 November at 9.45 a.m.
Thursday 17 November 2005
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Mr David Burrowes Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger Julia Goldsworthy Julie Morgan David Heyes Mr Gordon Prentice Kelvin Hopkins Grant Shapps
1. Response to the Cabinet Office consultation on reform of the Ombudsman
The Committee considered this matter
2. Consideration of the Draft Report: The Attendance of the Prime Minister’s Strategy Adviser before the Public Administration Select Committee
Draft Special Report, proposed by the Chairman, brought up and read.
Ordered, That the draft Report be read a second time, paragraph by paragraph.
6
Paragraphs 1 to 17 read and agreed to.
Resolved, That the Report be the First Special Report of the Committee to the House.
Several Papers were ordered to be appended to the Report.
Ordered, That the Chairman do make the report to the House.
3. Future Programme
The Committee considered this matter.
4. Oral evidence
Publication of Political Memoirs: Lord Wilson of Dinton, GCB, and Professor Peter Hennessy, Queen Mary, University of London, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Thursday 24 November at 9.45 a.m.
Thursday 24 November 2005
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Paul Flynn Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger Julia Goldsworthy Julie Morgan David Heyes Jenny Willott Kelvin Hopkins
1. Future Programme
The Committee considered this matter
Resolved, That the Committee visit Helsinki, Finland and Stockholm, Sweden in March or April 2006 in connection with its inquiries into Governing the Future and Ethics and Standards, and that the Chairman seek the approval of the Liaison Committee for expenditure in connection with the said visit.
2. Oral evidence
Implication of ID Cards for Public Services: Tony Collins, Executive Editor, Computer Weekly, Richard Tyndall, Mouchel Parkman and Professor Patrick Dunleavy, London School of Economics, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Thursday 1 December at 9.45 a.m.
7
Thursday 1 December 2005
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Mr David Burrowes Kelvin Hopkins Paul Flynn Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger David Heyes Julie Morgan
1. Future Programme
The Committee considered this matter
Resolved, That the Committee visit the Cabinet Office in Whitehall in February or March 2006.
2. Oral evidence
A Debt of Honour: Ms Ann Abraham, the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration and Health Service Ombudsman and Ian Ogilvie, Investigation Manager, Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, gave oral evidence;
Professor Jack Hayward, Ron Bridge, Chairman of the Association of British Internees – Far East Region, and Ann Moxley gave oral evidence;
Don Touhig MP, Minister for Veterans, and Jonathan Iremonger, Director of the Veterans Policy Unit, gave oral evidence; Ms Ann Abraham, the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration and Health Service Ombudsman, was in attendance and answered questions.
[Adjourned till Thursday 8 December at 9.30 a.m.
8
Thursday 8 December 2005
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Paul Flynn Julie Morgan David Heyes Mr Gordon Prentice Kelvin Hopkins Grant Shapps Mr Ian Liddell- Jenny Willott Grainger
1. Future Programme
The Committee considered this matter
2. Oral evidence
Governing the Future: Sir Michael Bichard KCB, Rector, University of the Arts, London, and Dr Geoff Mulgan, Director, Institute for Community Studies, gave oral evidence;
[Adjourned till Thursday 15 December at 9.45 a.m.
Thursday 15 December 2005
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Mr David Burrowes Julie Morgan Paul Flynn Mr Gordon Prentice Kelvin Hopkins Grant Shapps Julia Goldsworthy Jenny Willott Mr Ian Liddell- Grainger
1. Appointment of Specialist Advisers
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Future Programme
The Committee considered this matter.
3. Oral evidence
Governing the Future: Lord Turnbull KCB CVO, Sir Christopher Meyer KCMG, and Lance Price, gave oral evidence. 9
[Adjourned till Thursday 12 January at 9.45 a.m.
Thursday 12 January 2006
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
David Heyes Julie Morgan Kelvin Hopkins Mr Gordon Prentice Julia Goldsworthy
1. Consideration of Chairman’s draft report “A Debt of Honour”
The Committee deliberated.
Draft Report [A debt of honour], proposed by the Chairman, brought up and read.
Ordered, That the draft Report be read a second time, paragraph by paragraph.
Paragraphs 1 to 47 read and agreed to.
Summary agreed to.
Resolved, that the Report be the First Report of the Committee to the House.
Ordered, That the Chairman make the Report to the House.
Ordered, That embargoed copies of the Report be made available, in accordance with the provisions of Standing Order No. 134.
Ordered, that the following papers be appended to the Report:
Minute: from Alan Burnham, Acting Chief Executive, War Pensions Agency to Nick Gibbons, Cabinet Office, dated 10 April 2001
Minute from Alan Burnham, Acting Chief Executive, War Pensions Agency, to Tom McKane, Cabinet Office dated 4 May 2001.
Several papers were ordered to be appended to the Minutes of Evidence.
Ordered, That the Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee be reported to the House.
Several papers were ordered to be reported to the House. [ 2. Consideration of Chairman’s draft report “Tax credits: putting things right”
10
The Committee considered this matter.
Draft Report [Tax credits: putting things right], proposed by the Chairman, brought up and read.
Ordered, That the draft Report be read a second time, paragraph by paragraph.
Paragraphs 1 to 35 read and agreed to.
Summary agreed to.
Resolved, That the Report be the Second Report of the Committee to the House.
Ordered, That the Chairman make the Report to the House.
Ordered, That embargoed copies of the Report be made available, in accordance with the provisions of Standing Order No. 134.
3. Future programme
The Committee considered this matter.
[Adjourned till Thursday 19 January at 9.45 a.m.
Thursday 19 January 2006
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Mr David Burrowes Julie Morgan Paul Flynn Mr Gordon Prentice David Heyes Grant Shapps Kelvin Hopkins Jenny Willott Julia Goldsworthy
1. Future Programme
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Oral evidence
Publication of Political Memoirs: Sir Jeremy Greenstock GCMG gave oral evidence
Rt Hon Lord Owen CH, Rt Hon Lord Lawson of Blaby and Rt Hon Clare Short MP, gave oral evidence. [Adjourned till Thursday 26 January at 9.45 a.m. 11
Thursday 26 January 2006
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
David Heyes Julie Morgan Kelvin Hopkins Mr Gordon Prentice Mr Ian Liddell- Jenny Willott Grainger
1. Future Programme
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Oral evidence
Governing the Future: Stephen Aldridge, Director of the Strategy Unit, Cabinet Office, gave oral evidence.
Lord Donoughue and Dr William Plowden, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Thursday 2 February at 9.45 a.m.
Thursday 2 February 2006
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Mr David Burrowes Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger Paul Flynn Julie Morgan David Heyes Mr Gordon Prentice Kelvin Hopkins Jenny Willott
1. Future Programme
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Oral evidence
Ethics and Standards: Sir Simon Jenkins, The Guardian, Peter Riddell, The Times, and John Lloyd, The Financial Times, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Thursday 9 February at 9.45 a.m.
12
Thursday 9 February 2006
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Paul Flynn Kelvin Hopkins Julia Goldsworthy Mr Gordon Prentice David Heyes
1. Consideration of the Chairman’s draft Special Report on the Government Response to the Committee’s Fifth Report of Session 2004-05, Ministerial Accountability and Parliamentary Questions
Draft Special Report [Response to the Committee’s Fifth Report of Session 2004-05, (Ministerial Accountability and Parliamentary Questions)], proposed by the Chairman, brought up, read the first and second time, and agreed to.
Resolved, That the Report be the Second Special Report of the Committee to the House.
Ordered, That the Chairman do make the report to the House.
Ordered, That the Government’s response to the Fifth Report from the Committee be appended to the Report.
2. Future programme
The Committee considered this matter.
3. Oral evidence
Politics and Administration: Ministers and Civil Servants: Baroness Prashar CBE, gave oral evidence;
Ethics and Standards: Sir Patrick Brown KCB, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Thursday 2 March at 9.45 a.m.
13
Thursday 2 March 2006
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Paul Flynn Kelvin Hopkins Julia Goldsworthy Mr Gordon Prentice David Heyes Jenny Willott
1. Future programme
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Oral evidence
Politics and Administration: Ministers and Civil Servants: Sir Nick Monck KCB, Sir Christoper Foster and Lord Butler of Brockwell KG GCB CVO, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Thursday 7 March at 2.15 p.m.
Thursday 9 March 2006
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Paul Flynn Ian Liddell Grainger Julia Goldsworthy Julie Morgan David Heyes Mr Gordon Prentice Kelvin Hopkins Jenny Willott
1. Future programme
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Oral evidence
Ethics and Standards: Sir Michael Quinlan GCB, Sir David Omand GCB, Sir Nicholas Montagu KCB and Sir Robin Young KCB, gave oral evidence;
[Adjourned till Thursday 16 March at 9.45 p.m.
Thursday 16 March 2006
14
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Paul Flynn Ian Liddell Grainger David Heyes Mr Gordon Prentice Kelvin Hopkins Grant Shapps
1. Future programme
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Oral evidence
Ethics and Standards: Rt Hon Lord King of Bridgwater CH and Rt Hon Lord Smith of Finsbury, gave oral evidence;
Publication of Political Memoirs: Rt Hon Tony Benn, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 29 March at 2.15 p.m.
Monday 27 March 2006
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Paul Flynn Mr Gordon Prentice David Heyes Grant Shapps Mr Ian Liddell- Jenny Willott Grainger Kelvin Hopkins
1. Consideration of the Chairman’s draft Special Report:
Draft Special Report [Inquiry into the Scrutiny of Political Honours], proposed by the Chairman, brought up and read.
Ordered, That the draft Report be read a second time, paragraph by paragraph.
Paragraphs 1 to 4 read and agreed to.
Resolved, That the Report be the Third Special Report of the Committee to the House.
A paper was ordered to be appended to the Report. 15
Ordered, That the Chairman do make the Report to the House.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 29 March at 2.15 p.m.
Wednesday 29 March 2006
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Mr David Burrowes Julie Morgan Paul Flynn Mr Gordon Prentice David Heyes Grant Shapps Kelvin Hopkins Jenny Willott Mr Ian Liddell- Grainger
1. Inquiry into Propriety and Honours
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Future Programme
The Committee considered this matter.
Resolved, That the Committee visits Edinburgh in relation to its enquiries into Ethics and Standards and Governing the Future.
3. Oral evidence
Publication of Political Memoirs: Rt Hon Jack Straw MP, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Thursday 20 April at 9.45 a.m.
16
ANNEX
Paul Flynn declared no interests.
David Heyes declared the following interest: Member of UNISON Trade Union.
Kelvin Hopkins declared the following interests: Member of UNISON Trade Union; Member of GMB; Member of the Management Board of Catalyst; My constituency party is in receipt of donations from the Communication Workers Union, The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers and the GMB Union.
Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger declared the following interest: Farm building, Scotland.
Julie Morgan declared the following interests: Residential property in Cardiff; Sponsorship as a candidate from Labour Supporters Club in Cardiff North (200 Club), Transport and General Workers Union; a Member of the Transport and General Workers Union; Chair of South Wales Domestic Abuse Forum; Chair of Cardiff Domestic Abuse Forum.
Mr Gordon Prentice declared the following interest: Member of the Transport and General Workers Union.
Grant Shapps declared the following interests: (Directorships and Shareholdings): Printhouse Corporation Ltd.; How To Corp Ltd.; (Donations to constituency party linked to candidacy or Membership of the House): United and Cecil; Red Fig Ltd.; Michael Lewis (Individual donation); Printhouse Corporation Ltd.; Retail Visual Merchandising Ltd.
Jenny Willott declared no interests.
Dr Tony Wright declared the following interests: Joint Editor of Political Quarterly (honorarium only); Member of the AUT; Chairman, Centre for Public Scrutiny. 17
MONDAY 27 MARCH 2006
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Paul Flynn Gordon Prentice David Heyes Grant Shapps Ian Liddell-Grainger Jenny Willott Kelvin Hopkins
1. Consideration of the Chairman’s draft Special Report:
Draft Special Report [Inquiry into the Scrutiny of Political Honours], proposed by the Chairman, brought up and read.
Ordered, That the draft Report be read a second time, paragraph by paragraph.
Paragraphs 1 to 4 read and agreed to.
Resolved, That the Report be the Third Special Report of the Committee to the House.
A paper was ordered to be appended to the Report.
Ordered, That the Chairman do make the Report to the House.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 29 March at 2.15 p.m.
WEDNESDAY 29 MARCH 2006
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
David Burrowes Julie Morgan Paul Flynn Gordon Prentice David Heyes Grant Shapps Kelvin Hopkins Jenny Willott Ian Liddell-Grainger
1. Inquiry into Propriety and Honours
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Future Programme
The Committee considered this matter.
18
Resolved, That the Committee visits Edinburgh in relation to its enquiries into Ethics and Standards and Governing the Future.
3. Oral evidence
Publication of Political Memoirs: Rt Hon Jack Straw MP, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Thursday 20 April at 9.45 a.m.
THURSDAY 20 APRIL 2006
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
David Burrowes Paul Flynn Kelvin Hopkins Ian Liddell Grainger Julie Morgan Gordon Prentice
1. Consideration of the Chairman’s Draft Report: Legislative and Regulatory Reform Bill
Draft Report, proposed by the Chairman, brought up and read.
Ordered, That the draft Report be read a second time, paragraph by paragraph.
Paragraphs 1 to 20 read and agreed to.
Resolved, That the Report be the Third Report of the Committee to the House.
Ordered, That the Chairman make the Report to the House.
Ordered, That embargoed copies of the Report be made available, in accordance with the provisions of Standing Order No. 134.
Several Papers were ordered to be appended to the Report.
Ordered, That the Appendix to the Report be reported to the House.
2. Future programme
The Committee considered this matter.
3. Oral evidence
Governing the Future: Lord Birt gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Thursday 27 April at 9.45 a.m. MONDAY 24 – TUESDAY 25 APRIL 2006
19
Dr Tony Wright (Chair), David Heyes, Kelvin Hopkins, Ian Liddell Grainger, Julie Morgan, Gordon Prentice visited Edinburgh in connection with the inquiries ‘Governing the Future’ and ‘Ethics and Standards’, in accordance with the decision of the Committee on 29 March 2005.
THURSDAY 27 APRIL 2006
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Mr David Burrowes Julie Morgan Paul Flynn Mr Gordon Prentice David Heyes Jenny Willott Kelvin Hopkins
1. Consideration of the Chairman’s draft Special Report on Tax Credits: putting things right: Government Response to the Committee’s Second Report
Draft Special Report [Tax Credits: putting things right: Government Response to the Committee’s Second Report], proposed by the Chairman, brought up, read the first and second time, and agreed to.
Resolved, That the Report be the Fourth Special Report of the Committee to the House.
Ordered, That the Chairman do make the report to the House.
Ordered, That the Government’s response to the Second Report from the Committee and the letter from the Chairman of HMRC be appended to the Report.
2. Future programme
The Committee considered this matter.
3. Oral evidence
Ethics and Standards: Sir Alistair Graham and Richard Jarvis gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Tuesday 2 May at 2.15 p.m.
20
TUESDAY 2 MAY 2006
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Paul Flynn Mr Gordon Prentice Kelvin Hopkins Grant Shapps Julie Morgan Jenny Willott
1. Future programme
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Oral evidence
The Work of the Ombudsman: Ann Abraham, Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, gave oral evidence;
[Adjourned till Monday 15 May at 4.00 p.m.
MONDAY 15 MAY 2006
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Mr David Burrowes Mr Gordon Prentice Paul Flynn Paul Rowen David Heyes Grant Shapps Kelvin Hopkins Jenny Willott Julie Morgan
1. Declaration of interests
Grant Shapps declared that Lord Ashcroft had provided funds for his Conservative Association.
2. Future programme
The Committee considered this matter.
3. Propriety and Honours inquiry (appointment of Specialist Adviser)
Ordered, That Christopher Sallon QC be appointed a Specialist Adviser to assist the Committee in matters relating to its inquiry into Propriety and Honours.
4. Oral evidence
21
Propriety and Honours: Deputy Assistant Commissioner John Yates QPM, Detective Superintendent Graham McNulty, Metropolitan Police, and Carmen Dowd, Head of Special Crime Division, Crown Prosecution Service, gave oral evidence in private.
5. Propriety and Honours
The Committee considered this matter.
[Adjourned till Tuesday 16 May at 9.45 a.m.
TUESDAY 16 MAY 2006
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Mr David Burrowes Mr Gordon Prentice Paul Flynn Paul Rowen David Heyes Grant Shapps Kelvin Hopkins Jenny Willott Julie Morgan
1. Future programme
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Consultation on the Draft Inquiry Procedure Rules consultation
The Committee considered this matter.
3. Propriety and Honours
The Committee considered this matter.
4. Oral Evidence
Ethics and Standards: Sir Gus O'Donnell KCB, Secretary of the Cabinet and Head of the Home Civil Service gave oral evidence;
Propriety and Honours: Lord Stevenson of Coddenham CBE, Chairman, Rt Hon Lord Hurd of Westwell CH CBE, and Mrs Angela Sarkis CBE, House of Lords Appointments Commission gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Thursday 18 May at 9.45 a.m.
22
THURSDAY 18 MAY 2006
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Mr David Burrowes Julie Morgan Kelvin Hopkins Mr Gordon Prentice
1. Future programme
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Oral Evidence
Ethics and Standards: Baroness O'Neill of Bengarve CBE FBA, Peter Kellner, Chairman, YouGov, and Professor John Curtice, Department of Government, University of Strathclyde, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Thursday 8 June at 10.15 a.m.
THURSDAY 8 JUNE 2006
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
David Heyes Mr Gordon Prentice Kelvin Hopkins Paul Rowen Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger Jenny Willott Julie Morgan
1. Propriety and Honours
The Committee considered this matter.
2. The Publication of Political Memoirs
The Committee considered this matter.
3. Debt of Honour
The Committee considered this matter.
4. Future programme
The Committee considered this matter.
23
Resolved, That the Committee visit Boston and New York in October 2006 in connection with its inquiries into Civil Service capabilities and that the Chairman seek the approval of the Liaison Committee for expenditure in connection with said visit.
5. Consideration of the Chairman’s draft Special Report on Legislative and Regulatory Reform: Government Response to the Committee’s Third Report
Draft Special Report [Legislative and Regulatory Reform: Government Response to the Committee’s Third Report], proposed by the Chairman, brought up, read the first and second time, and agreed to.
Resolved, That the Report be the Fifth Special Report of the Committee to the House.
Ordered, That the Chairman do make the report to the House.
Ordered, That the Government’s response to the Third Report from the Committee and be appended to the Report.
6. Oral Evidence
Professor Anthony King, University of Essex, Dr David Hine, Oxford University, Rt Hon Lord Mayhew of Twysden QC DL, Chairman, Advisory Committee on Business Appointments, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Thursday 15 June at 10.15 a.m.
THURSDAY 15 JUNE 2006
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Mr David Burrrowes Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger Paul Flynn Julie Morgan David Heyes Mr Gordon Prentice Kelvin Hopkins Paul Rowen
1. The Publication of Political Memoirs
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Future programme
The Committee considered this matter.
3. Oral Evidence
24
Ethics and Standards: Janet Gaymer CBE, Commissioner for Public Appointments, Janet Paraskeva, First Civil Service Commissioner, gave oral evidence.
4. Oral Evidence
Politics and Administration: Ministers and Civil Servants: Jonathan Baume, General Secretary, FDA, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Thursday 22 June at 9.45 a.m.
THURSDAY 22 JUNE 2006
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Mr David Burrrowes Mr Gordon Prentice Kelvin Hopkins Paul Rowen Julie Morgan Jenny Willott
1. Future programme
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Oral Evidence
Governing the Future: Lord Turner of Ecchinswell and Christine Farnish, Chief Executive, National Association of Pension Funds, gave oral evidence.
3. Oral Evidence
Ombudsman Issues: Pensions: Dr Ros Altmann, Andrew Parr and Bob Duncan, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 28 June at 2.00 p.m.
25
WEDNESDAY 28 JUNE 2006
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Mr David Burrrowes Mr Gordon Prentice Kelvin Hopkins Paul Rowen Julie Morgan Jenny Willott
1. Future programme
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Oral Evidence
Ombudsman Issues: Pensions: Rt Hon John Hutton MP, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Thursday 29 June at 9.45 a.m.
THURSDAY 29 JUNE 2006
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Mr David Burrrowes Mr Gordon Prentice Kelvin Hopkins Paul Rowen Julie Morgan Jenny Willott
1. Future programme
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Oral Evidence
Politics and Administration: Ministers and Civil Servants: Rt Hon Michael Howard QC MP, Rt Hon David Blunkett MP; and Nick Pearce, Director, IPPR and Guy Lodge, Research Fellow, IPPR, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Thursday 6 July at 10.00 a.m.
26
THURSDAY 6 JULY 2006
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
David Heyes Julie Morgan Kelvin Hopkins Mr Gordon Prentice Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger Jenny Willott
1. Future programme
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Consideration of Chairman’s draft report: Propriety and Honours: Interim Findings
Draft Report [Propriety and Honours: Interim Findings], proposed by the Chairman, brought up and read.
Ordered, That the draft Report be read a second time, paragraph by paragraph.
Paragraphs 1 to 63 read and agreed to.
Resolved, That the Report be the Fourth Report of the Committee to the House.
Ordered, That the Chairman make the Report to the House.
Ordered, That embargoed copies of the Report be made available, in accordance with the provisions of Standing Order No. 134.
Several Papers were ordered to be appended to the Report.
Ordered, That the Appendices to the Report be reported to the House.
[Adjourned till Thursday 13 July at 9.45 a.m.
27
THURSDAY 13 JULY 2006
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Mr David Burrowes Mr Gordon Prentice Paul Flynn Paul Rowen David Heyes Grant Shapps Kelvin Hopkins Jenny Willott Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger
1. Future programme
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Oral Evidence
Propriety and Honours: Deputy Assistant Commissioner John Yates QPM, Metropolitan Police, Ms Carmen Down, Head of Special Crime Division, and Asker Husain, Crown Prosecution Service, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Tuesday 18 July at 10.00 a.m.
TUESDAY 18 JULY 2006
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Mr David Burrowes Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger Paul Flynn Mr Gordon Prentice David Heyes Jenny Willott Kelvin Hopkins
1. Future programme
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Consideration of Chairman’s draft report: Whitehall Confidential? The Publication of Political memoirs
Draft Report [Whitehall Confidential? The Publication of Political Memoirs], proposed by the Chairman, brought up and read.
Ordered, That the draft Report be read a second time, paragraph by paragraph.
Paragraphs 1 to 141 read and agreed to.
28
Resolved, That the Report be the Fifth Report of the Committee to the House.
Ordered, That the Chairman make the Report to the House.
Ordered, That embargoed copies of the Report be made available, in accordance with the provisions of Standing Order No. 134.
Several Papers were ordered to be appended to the Report.
Ordered, That the Appendices to the Report be reported to the House.
[Adjourned till Thursday 20 July at 10.00 a.m.
THURSDAY 20 JULY 2006
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Paul Flynn Julie Morgan David Heyes Mr Gordon Prentice Kelvin Hopkins Paul Rowen Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger Jenny Willott
1. Future programme
The Committee considered this matter.
Resolved, That the Committee inquire into Civil Service Capabilities
2. Consideration of Chairman’s draft report: The Ombudsman in Question: the Ombudsman’s report on pensions and its constitutional implications
Draft Report [The Ombudsman in Question: the Ombudsman’s report on pensions and its constitutional implications], proposed by the Chairman, brought up and read.
Ordered, That the draft Report be read a second time, paragraph by paragraph.
Paragraphs 1 to 79 read and agreed to.
Resolved, That the Report be the Sixth Report of the Committee to the House.
Ordered, That the Chairman make the Report to the House.
Ordered, That embargoed copies of the Report be made available, in accordance with the provisions of Standing Order No. 134.
Several Papers were ordered to be appended to the Report. 29
Ordered, That the Appendices to the Report be reported to the House.
3. Consideration of Chairman’s draft report: The Ministerial Code: the case for independent investigation
Draft Report [The Ministerial Code: the case for independent investigation], proposed by the Chairman, brought up and read.
Ordered, That the draft Report be read a second time, paragraph by paragraph.
Paragraphs 1 to 43 read and agreed to.
Resolved, That the Report be the Seventh Report of the Committee to the House.
Ordered, That the Chairman make the Report to the House.
Ordered, That embargoed copies of the Report be made available, in accordance with the provisions of Standing Order No. 134.
[Adjourned till Thursday 12 October at 9.45 a.m.
THURSDAY 12 OCTOBER 2006
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
David Heyes Julie Morgan Kelvin Hopkins Jenny Willott Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger
1. Future programme
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Inquiry into Parliamentary Questions
Resolved, That the Chairman write to the Chairman of the Procedure Committee about this matter
3. Oral Evidence
Skills for Government: Gill Rider, Director General, Leadership and People Strategy, and Anne-Marie Lawlor, Director of Leadership and Development, Corporate Development Group, Cabinet Office, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Tuesday 17 October at 2.15 p.m.
30
TUESDAY 17 OCTOBER 2006
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
David Burrowes Gordon Prentice Paul Flynn Grant Shapps Kelvin Hopkins Jenny Willott Julie Morgan
1. Future programme
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Debt of Honour
A letter was ordered to be reported to the House.
3. Oral Evidence
Governing the Future: Ms Jill Rutter, Director of Strategy and Sustainable Development, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Sir Jonathan Porritt CBE, Co- Founder and Programme Director of Forum for the Future, Sustainable Development Commission and Professor Susan Owens OBE AcSS FRSA, Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution; and at approx 3.30pm Professor Sir David King KB ScD FRS, Government Chief Scientific Adviser and Head of the Office of Science and Innovation, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Thursday 19 October at 10.30 a.m.
31
THURSDAY 19 OCTOBER 2006
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Paul Flynn Gordon Prentice David Heyes Grant Shapps Kelvin Hopkins Jenny Willott Julie Morgan
1. Future programme
Resolved, That the Committee inquire into ‘Public Services: Putting People First?’
Resolved, That the Committee visit Sunningdale.
2. Propriety and Honours
Ordered, That the chairman write to DAC Yates.
[Adjourned till Thursday 26 October at 10.30 a.m.
THURSDAY 26 OCTOBER 2006
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Paul Flynn Gordon Prentice David Heyes Paul Rowen Kelvin Hopkins Grant Shapps Ian Liddell-Grainger Jenny Willott
1. Public Services: Putting People First?
Resolved, That the Committee undertake visits in the UK in relation to this inquiry.
[Adjourned till Thursday 16 November at 9.45 a.m.